NEW MILFORD -- Every detail, from the design of the building to the garnish on the plate, was taken into account during the creation of the Dinerluxe American Grill that opened this week on Danbury Road.

"People eat with their eyes before their stomachs," said Peter Serroukas, a restaurateur with decades of experience creating unique eateries. "I want everything to look good, from when someone comes into the front door to when they leave. And of course we also offer great food, everything from a chicken salad club to a filet mignon with a martini and a stuffed olive."

Several of Serroukas' restaurants, including the Dinerluxe, were designed by Morris Nathanson Design, a world renowned designer that has worked on such restaurants as Carmine's in Manhattan and Euro Disney in Paris.

The designer also worked on the Everready Diner, with locations in Brewster and Hyde Park, N.Y., that was featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" television series.

The exterior of the new Dinerluxe diner includes large "fins" similar to those on the 1957 Chevy Bel Air that light up at night as well as signs reminiscent of Las Vegas in the 1950s. The menu infuses traditional diner food with culinary cuisine and baked goods and desserts that are made on premises.

Serroukas teamed up with fellow restaurateur Peter Siasanas, who recently moved to New Milford with his family to help operate the new enterprise. Siasanas has operated diners in Long Island since 1975.

Serroukas, who lives near Unionville, N.Y., said he called Siasanas after taking a drive through New Milford where he was taking a relative to a doctor's office.

"I thought it was a great town with lots of activity and it would be a great place for a new diner," Serroukas said. "I've always had a knack for picking locations."

"It shows that New Milford wants to work with people and that we can attract new businesses into the community," he said. "I really appreciate all the hard work they've put into the new diner and their desire to invest in our community."

Since the new diner opened on Wednesday, Serroukas said the establishment has been packed with customers.

"I'm very happy I came to New Milford," he said. "I hope everyone who comes to visit us this week makes us one of their regular stops."